Monday March 27, 2023
Oregon Public Broadcasting —
Ocean Chinook salmon fishing is likely to be canceled for much of Oregon this summer.
The National Marine Fisheries Service already canceled the spring season, which was set to run from March 15 to May 15.
The Pacific Marine Fisheries Council is considering three plans for the season, none of which would allow Chinook fishing until September in much of the state.
It’s a huge blow to Oregon’s commercial fishing industry, but officials say it’s necessary for the fish population to rebound from ongoing drought.
“This year’s management alternatives are significantly reduced or closed to fishing opportunity to keep fishing impacts minimal given the critically low abundance forecasts for key California Chinook stocks of concern,” according to a press release from the council.